Frankenstein: Knowledge

       In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, knowledge has a significant role in not only the development of characters but also thematic topics as well.  The creature learns all he knows from books and through observing the cottagers.  Through this type of learning he learns how to read, write, and speak the language.  Although the more the creature knows the more miserable he becomes.  He learns how different he is from humans and the more he then hates his life.  He eventually learns that humanity cannot love him.  " '...but I was wretched, helpless, and alone.  Many Times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition; for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me'," (Shelley, 92).  This was said by the creature when he was still observing the cottagers and learning through books.  The more he learned about the cottagers and about humanity, the more he hated himself and wanted to be human.  The knowledge the creature attains makes him very unhappy with his life.